The benefit of using insects as food

To most of us, this sounds “yuck” but this could be a gaming changer toward our food problem.

Rich protein and iron

Humans may consume edible insects because they include high-quality protein, iron, vitamins, and amino acids. This is important since protein is the basic building block of every cell in your body. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of muscles, bones, and skin.

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Protein and iron are remarkable “power couples.” These nutrients combine to make hemoglobin, which is required for oxygen transport to your blood cells. Iron also helps to strengthen your immune system and protects your body from anemia.

Less strain on land and water resources

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Beef is generally considered an excellent source of protein and other valuable nutrients. But in fact, 100 grams of beef yields around the same amount of protein as crickets. Producing this mere 1 kg of beef also takes a toll on our resources. The process requires an average of about 15 liters of water, in addition to the water used to grow food for the cattle to eat. Raising the same number of mealworms uses about 4 liters, a full 9 liters less than each kg of beef. Not to mention, the land needed to farm insects is much smaller compared to cow farms.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Livestock produces methane gas, a major contributor to global warming and climate change. But raising insects produces between 10 and 80 times less methane gas than does the raising of cattle, and 8-12 times less ammonia.

Potential solution to world hunger and food insecurity

Right now, we are facing a BIG problem; world hunger. As long as the population continues to explode and supplies of available land and water diminish, the problem is only going to worsen. Insect farming may be our best hope of preventing millions of people from going hungry.

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A stable income to farmers in developing countries

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Farming insects do not require a lot of lands or expensive machinery. Even the poorest segment of the population in our least developed countries can do it and make a profit.

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